Power steering mechanism



` Feb. 8, 1944. J, G lNGREs 2,341,502 l POWER STEERING MECHANI SM Filed-Sept. '26, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l /4/ /42 0 Il.' I

ZQIMIMIIIIIPW www Feb. 8, 1944.

J. G. INGRES POWER STEERING MEGHANISM Filed Sept. 26, 1941 y 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 8, 1944. J. G. INGRES POWER STEERING MEcH-ANISM Filed sept. 26, 1941 s sheetsf-sheet s .steering wheel.

Patented Feb. 8, 1944 POWER STEERING MECHANISM Jeannot G. Ingres, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Automatic Shifters, Inc., Richmond, Va., a. corporation of Virginia Application September 26, 1941, Serial No. 412,505

` (ci. 18o-79.2)

35 Claims.

This invention relates to power steering mechanisms for motor vehicles, and is an improvement over the structure shown in the copending application of George Tucker Smith, Serial No. 380,563, filed February 25, 1941.

The gear ratio provided between the steering `wheel and the dirigible front wheels of a motor vehicle is such as to permit relatively easy steering under most conditions, but is such that it requires excessive force to turn the front wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling slowly or is at a standstill. Little effort is required to steer when the vehicle is traveling at a reasonable speed, but if a sufficiently high gear ratio were provided to permit easy steering when the vehicle is traveling slowly or is stationary, it would be necessary to substantially rotate the steering wheel for every relatively slight turn and this would .be highly disadvantageous at normal vehicle speeds.

In the copending application referred to there is disclosed and claimed a novel type of steering mechanism wherein power means is provided for eliminating the necessity for using great physical effort to turn the front wheels of the vehicle when the, vehicle is at rest or traveling slowly but wherein the power means is inoperative at predetermined vehicle speeds when the use of power is unnecessary. The prior construction re'- Vferred to employs a differential fluid pressure motor as the power source and this motor is controlled by a follow-up value mechanism one element of which is manually operated upon the turning of the steering wheel and the other of which is operated by the motor to cause the pressure responsive member thereof to move to an extent proportional to turning movement of the The motor is always operated through the follow-upvalve mechanism whenever the steering wheel is turned, but the motor is effective for power-steering the vehicle only under the conditions in which power steering is desired, this being provided by the use of means `which directly connects the steering mechanism to the drag link or other corresponding element when manual steering is desired with the motor following up without delivering power, the functioning of the motor for power steering being provided by .disconnecting the positive manual connection and directly connecting the motor to the element to be operated.

Under-such conditions, the change over from power to manual steering and vice versa is capable of taking place at any time regardless of any conditions, and the constant operation of the motor, regardless of Whether it is delivering its power, eliminates any necessity for the drivers having to move the elements of the motor when manual steering is taking place. The change over in the prior construction from manual to power steering is accomplished by the use of a slidable element adapted in one position to provide manualr drive referred to, and adapted in its other position to provide the necessary connection with the motor to utilize the latter for power steering.

An important object ofthe present invention is to provide the mechanism adapted for performing the same functions as the prior construction referred to but wherein an improved construction is employed particularly with relation to the means for changing over between manual and power steering.

A further object is to provide a novel combination of elements including a device mounted to rock on a pivot axis to change over between manual and power steering, as distinguished from the slidable device of the prior construction referred to which is provided with tapered engaging faces which possibly might wedge together and stick in one position or the other.

A further object is to provide a power .or manual steering mechanism wherein a rocking device is provided for determining whether steering shall take place manually or by the power of a dilerential fluid pressure motor and wherein a follow-up valve mechanism controls operation of the motor and is operated regardless of whether the mechanism is being used for manual or power steering, thus causing the motor to operate regardless of whether it is delivering power, thus eliminating the necessity for the drivers having to move the power mechanism when steering manually.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the Y following description.

In the drawings I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle steering mechanism,

Figure 2 is a central axial sectional view through the motor and associated elements,

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary detail perspective view of portions of the valve operating mechanism, the parts being shown separated,

Figure 5 is a side elevation of a portion of the steering mechanism showing parts of the invention applied, certain of the latter elements being broken away and shown in section,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 6 6 of Figure 5,

Figure '7 is a similar view on line 1-1Aof Fig- Referring to Figure 1 the numeral l0 desig nates -a steering column in which is arranged the usual steering post II` (Figure The upper end of the steering post carries the usual steering wheel I2 and the lower end of the steering column extends into a housing I3' in which is arranged the usual reduction gearing (not shown) to transmit movement from the steering post Il to a shaft I2. This shaft, in modern motor ve hicles, carries means in the form of a lever for transmitting movement to the front Wheels of 4a motor vehicle, but this lever is altered and is controlled in a diierent manner in the present invention, as will become apparent.

The shaft I2 is provided with a pair of spaced brackets I3 and I4, rotatable relative to the shaft, and carrying a smaller shaft I5 at their free ends, as shown in Figure 5. The shaft I5 carries a cam device indicated as a whole by the numeral I6 and shown in perspective in Figure 8. The cam device comprises a plate I1 having a projecting lip I8 for a purpose to be described. A cam Isis formed integral with or suitably secured to the plate I1 and a tubular extension 20 is carried by the cam I9. The extension 29 likewise may be integral with the element I1 and I9. The cam device IB is provided therethrough with an opening 2l through which the shaft I5 extends, this shaft being approximately equal in width to the slot 2l andA thus fixed against lateral movement with respect to the slot, while -the slot permits the cam device as a whole to partake of some relative movement with respect to the shaft I5 in a direction lengthwise of the slot 2|. The cam I9 is provided with opposite arcuate surfaces 22, concentric with the extension 20, and is also provided with 'intervening more slightly curved faces 23. The latter faces are without function, while the purpose of the faces 22 will be referred to later.

An arm 24 is keyed to the shaft I2 as at 25 and accordingly will be turned whenever the shaft I2 is turned upon movement of the steering wheel. At its end, the arm 24 is provided with an opening indicated as a whole by the numeral 26. This opening is provided With opposite arcuate surfaces 21 concentric with and of the same diameter as the surfaces 22 of the cam I9. Between the surfaces 21 the arm 24 is provided with intervening arcuate surfaces 28 which may be concentric with the surfaces 21, but in any event are so arranged that they will not contact with the faces 22 when the cam I9 is in the position shown in Figure 7. With the parts in the position shown in Figure '7 it will be apparent that the arm 24 is free to partake of limited movement about its turning axis independently of the cam I9, the length of the surface 28 being such as to permit this independent movement to take place.

A steering lever 30 is journalled on the shaft l2 and is provided at its upper end (Figure 5) with an opening 3l receiving the sleeve 20. The

lower end of the lever 30 is provided with a ball 32 receivable in a socket forming a part of the conventional means for turning the front wheels of a motor vehicle. The lever takes the place of the usual arm fixed to the shaft I2 and operating through the' usual conventional connections (not shown) to the front wheels. Inasmuch as the means for connecting the ball 32 to the front wheels is conventional, as stated, it is unneces-v sary that such means be illustrated, and for the purpose of the appended claims the ball 32 maybe considered the dirigible wheel steering connectio It will be apparent that manual movement of the arm 24 will transmitmovement to the cam I9, when the latter is turned at right angles from its position in Figure 7, and under such conditions the sleeve 20 will transmit manual force through the lever 39 to operate the steering connections.

Power means is provided for operating the sleeve 20 and hence the lever 30 when the cam I9 is in the position shown in Figure '7. The power means employed is preferably in the form of a vacuum motor indicated as a whole by numeral 33 (Figures 1 and 2). This motor comprises a pair of'casing sections 34 and 35 the latter of which may be provided with a stud 34 extending through deformable washers 31 and through an outer metal washer 38, this device providing resilient means for mounting the motor l on the upper end of a bracket 39 supported at any suitable point on the motor vehicle. The resilient mounting is provided, as will become apparent, to permit the motor to partake of limited bodily swinging movement during its operation.

A pressure responsive unit indicated as a whole by the' numeral 40 is arranged in the motor. 'I'his unit comprises a pair of diaphragms 4I and 42 having outer peripheral portions 43 arranged respectively against annular iianges 44 formed 4on the ends of the casing sections 34 and 35, as

shown in Figure 2. Between the peripheral portions of the diaphragms is arranged an annular filler ring 45 having radial apertures 46 affording communication between the atmosphere and the space between the diaphragms 4I and 42. It will be noted that each diaphragm is buckled into its corresponding casing section 34 or 35. This arrangement and the apertured ring 45 form no part of the present invention per se but are part of the subject matter of my copending application SeriaLNo. 410,940, led September 15, 1941.

The pressure responsive unit further comprises a preferably die-cast body 41 having an annular ange portion 48 adjacent which is mounted a cap member 49, and a flexible diaphragm 50 is arranged between the ange 48 and cap 49. The

flange 48 and cap49 are respectively chamber-ed as at 5| and 52 and the diaphragm 50 is subjected to pressures in these chambers in a manner and for a purpose to be described. The inner peripheral edges 53 of the diaphragms 4I and 42 are arranged respectively against the flange 48 and cap 49 and clamping rings 54 are arranged against the peripheral diaphragm portions 5I, while bolts 55 serve to clamp together as a unit the peripheral portions of the diaphragms 4I, 42 and 50 and the flange 48 and cap 49.

The body 41 includes an integral axial extension 56 receiving the inner end of a tubular piston rod 51 and a valve 58 is slidable in the portion of the tubular piston rod within the body 41 as shown in Figure 2. One end of the valve 58 projects into the chamber 5I to be connected to th'e diaphragm 59 as at 59.

The valve 58 is provided with an elongated annular groove 69 in constant communication with a passage 6| in the extension 56, and the passage 6| is open at all times to the atmosphere in a manner to be described. The valve is also provided with an annular vacuum groove 62 communicating through radial ports 63 with an axial recess 64 formed in the valve 58. This recess, and the space 65 to the left of the valve 58 as viewed in Figure 2, are in constant communication with a source of partial vacuum, as will be described. Upon movement of the valve 58 Vto the right as viewed in Figure 2 the vacuum space 65 will be opened to a passage 66 communicating with the interior of the casing section 35, and the passage 66 communicates with the chamber 5| through a port 61. At the same time, such movement of the valve will establish communication between the groove 68 and a passage 68, communicating as at 69 with the interior of the casing section 34 and with the chamber 52 through a port 18.

It will be apparent that a reversal of the movement of the valve will connect the atmospheric groove 68 to the passage 66, and will connect the vacuum groove 62 to the passage`68'to reversely operate the motor. Under all conditions the space between the diaphragms 4I' and 42 will remain in communication with the atmosphere as one source of pressure uid, while operation of the valve in either direction Will connect one of the casing sections 34 or 35 to a source of partial vacuum while connecting the other casing section to the atmosphere. Pressures will always be balanced on opposite sides of one of the diaphragms 4| or 42, vwhile the generation of differential pressures on opposite sides of the other diaphragm will always urge such diaphragm in the direction in which it extends into its associated motor casing section.

A tubular sleeve 1| forms in eect an extension of the casing section 34. This extension is connected to the casing section 34 by a relatively thick rubber or similar annular plate 12, clamped to the extension 1| and to the casing section 34 by -suitable clamping flanges 13. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide sound deadening means to render the operation of themechanism quieter, as is ldesirable in many installations. The sleeve 1| is provided with a reduced axial extension 14 in which is arranged a bearing 15 slidably receiving the tubular piston rod 51.

A sleeve 16 is arranged concentrically within and spaced from the tubular piston rod 51, thus forming an annular space 11 between the elements 51 and 16. 'Ihis space is closed at its'ends by heads 18 and 19 carried by the respective ends of the sleeve 16. The tubular piston rod 51-is provided with an air port 18, as shown in Figure 2.

The left hand end of the tubular piston rod 51 is closed by a plug 19 forming a bearing slidably receiving a valve operating rod 88. This rod extends axially through the sleeve 16 and into the axial recess 64 and is pinned as at 8| to the valve 58. The rod 88 is smaller than the internal diameter of the sleeve 16, thus providing a space 82 communicating with the space 65 and with the axial recess 64. The outer end of the space 82 communicates with a space 83 between the plug 19 and the adjacent end of the sleeve 16,

' and the space 83 communicates through a nipple 88 with a flexiblehose 85 leading to a source of partial vacuum such as the intake manifold of a motor vehicle engine.

A substantially U-shaped yoke indicated as a whole by the numeral 86 is provided with opposite parallel walls 81 connected at one end by a transverse wall 88. The latter wall has an opening receiving the adjacent end of the tubular piston rod 51 which is threaded to receive nuts 89 and 98 for clamping the tubular piston rod rigidly with respect to the yoke 86. The ends of the side members 81 of the yoke 86 are apertured to receive the shaft l5 (Figure 5) and one lof these arms is surrounded by a ller sleeve 9| to take up the space between such arm 81 and the cam member I6. It will be apparent that energization of the motor delivers power to the tubular piston rod 51 and yoke 86 and thus through the arms 81 of -the latter to the shaft.

steering mechanism of a motor vehicle and.l inl such use extremely fast response of the motor to the turning of the steering Wheel is desired. The valve operating mechanism of the present device, as will become apparent, provides for extremely rapid response of the motor, and accordingly turning movement of the front wheels of the vehicle, under power operating conditions would take place substantially instantaneously upon turning movement of the steering wheel.

Referring tQ Figures 2, 5 and 6, the numeral 92 designates a plate having one end enlarged and substantially circular and apertured to receive the sleeve 28 of the cam device I6. Such enlarged end of the plate 92 is provided with a laterally extending ange 93 which is annular and is received in a similarly shaped groove 94 formed in the lever 24. Thus the plate 92 is free to turn with respect to the arm 24 about the axis of the shaft I5, but movement of the` free end of the arm 24 laterally with respect to the shaft I5 will bodily move the plate l92 and suchl movement takes place from right to left as viewed in Figures 2 and 6.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 it will be noted that the smaller end of the plate 92 carries a bearing 95 receiving a trunnion 96 carried by a lever 91. This lever is providedat its lower end with a preferably integral sleeve 98 mounted to rock on a shaft 99 having its ends mounted in the arms 81 of the yoke 86. The upper end of the lever 91 is provided with a slot |88 receiving a trunnion |8| carried by a second lever |82 having a sleeve |83 at its upper end, similar'to the sleeve 98, and receiving a shaft |84 also having its ends mounted in the yoke arms 91. The lower end of the lever |82 carries a trunnion |03 engageable in an opening I 84 carried by an arm secured to the end ofthe valve operturning it in the manner stated but it is preferred that it be turned automatically in accordance with changes in vehicle speed. To this end, iFigure 6 discloses the provision of a small auxiliary vacuum motor |01 for operating the cam. device I6. This motor comprises upper and lower casing sections |08 and |09 the latter of which is vented to the atmosphere as at H0. A diaphragm has its periphery clamped between the peripheral portions of the casing sections |08 and |09 and connected centrally to a rod ||2 operating in a bearing ||3 and connected at its lower end as at H4 to the ear i8. Any suitable means (not shown.) may be employed for supporting the motor |01 to permit it to partake of the slight rocking movement necessary to provide for turning movement of the connection ||4 about the axis of the shaft lli. If desired, of course, the bearing ||3 may be omitted by. providing sudicient space for the rod ||2 to pass through the casing section |09, whereby the flexibility of lthe diaphragm will provide for turning movement of the pivot connection l0.

It will be obvious that atmospheric pressure is always present in the casing section |09 and a spring ||5 is arranged in the casing section |09 to normally project the diaphragm downwardly to turn the cam device I6 to a manualsteering position. A vacuum pipe |16 communicates with the interior of the upper casing section |08 and is connected to a suitable source of vacuum such as the intake manifold of the motor vehicle engine.

Means are provided for controlling the auxiliary motor |02 to provide whatever results are desired, namely, complete manual steering under all conditions, complete power steering under all conditions, or power steering below a predetermined vehicle speed with manual steering automatically provided above such speed. Referring to Figure 9 it will be noted that the line ||6 extends through a valve casing H1 in whichis arranged a slidable valve H8 circumferentially grooved as at H9 so that when the valve is in the position shown in Figure 9 the line H6 is opened to the source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to drop to an inoperative position with the bottom of the valve contacting the bottom of the casing in which position a groove |20 in the valve communicates at one end with the atmosphere through a port |2| and communicates at its other end with the end of the line I6 extending to the motor It will be apparent therefore that when the valve ||8 is in the position shown in Figure 9, the motor casing |08 is open to the atmosphere and the spring will hold the cam device i6 in the manual-steering position. The valve H8 has its upper end forming the amature of a solenoid winding |22 and while the solenoid is in a vertical position so that its armature is biased downwardly by gravity, a small spring |23 may be employed to positively move the valve ||8 to its lower position. One terminal of the solenoid winding |22 is connected by a wire |24 to a manual switch |25 thence to one terminal of the source |26. This source may be the battery of a motor vehicle and the other side of the source is grounded in accordance with conventional practice as at |21.

The other terminal of the solenoid winding |22 is connected by a wire |28 to a contact |29 engageable by a switch |30 carried by a speed governor |3|, which may be of any conventional type. shown as being grounded as at |33. If desired,

This governor is driven by a shaft |32l 'may be the propeller shaft or any other driven shaft of the vehicle.

In order to render the solenoid winding energizable independently of vehicle speed, the wire |23 is connected to a ground |40 independently of the governor switch, through a shunt wire |4| controlled by a manual switch |42.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The change-over mechanismis biased for manual steering, and such operation will be considered rst. Assuming that the valve ||8 is in its lower position, the upper casing section |08 (Figl ure 6) will be vented to the atmosphere through the groove |20 and port |2| (Figure 9) and accordingly the diaphragm l of the auxiliary motor will be in its lower position with the cam vI9 in the dotted line position shown in Figure 6. Under such conditions any turning movement of the steering arm 24 will be directly transmitted to the cam member |9 to move this member bodily. At the same time, it will be apparent that when such movement is transmitted to the cam i9, the latter element is free to move with respect tothe shaft I6 since the slot 2| will be horizontally arranged as viewed in Figure 6.

Turning movement of the steering wheel l2' under such conditions will turn the arm 24 (Figures 5 and 6) and the free end oi this arm will transmit movement to the cam I9, the sleeve 20 of which is circular and fits in circular opening 3| (Figure 5) in the upper end of the lever 20. This lever therefore will be manually turned upon turning movement of the arm 24, the cam I9 and its sleeve 20 serving to loci: the free end of the arm 24 and the upper end of the lever 30 together for bodily movement, these elements turning about the axis of the steering shaft I2 (Figure 5).

As previously stated, movement of the arm |8 is free to take place independently of the shaft I5 for the reason that the slot 2| is perpendicular to the arm 24. This arrangement provides lost motion between the cam device |6 and the arms 81 of the yoke 86, and accordingly there will be no mechanical driving connection between the motor 33 and the cam device |6. The cam operated plate 92, however, has no lost motion with respect to the arm 24 due to the arrangement of the ange 93 in the slot 94. Upon manual turning movement of the arm 24, therefore, the plate 92 will move the valve operating rod (Figures 2 and 6) to energize the motor 33. Since it will be obvious that any movement of the arm 24 will operate the valve mechanism, the motor will be energized upon any turning movement of the steering wheel, regardless of whether manual or power steering takes place. The motor is therefore caused to follow up with respect to the valve mechanism, as will be further described, but the motor will deliver no power to the steering lever 30 because of the lost motion provided by the slot 2|. This arrangement is advantageous since it permits ,manual steering to takeplace without the operator having to overcome the friction of the motor parts in manually steering the vehicle. The functioning of the valve mechanism will be described in connection with the power Asteering operation. It will become apparent that the pressure responsive unit of the motor 33 follows up in either direction of turning movement of the steering wheel I2', and consequently in either direction of movement of the valve 58, and accordingly the motor willbe energized to move in accordance with every manual steering operation without delivering any power.

Power operation of the steering mechanism will take place when the valve H8 (Figure-9) is in the position shown in Figure 9 in which case communication will be established between the motor casing |08 (Figure 6) andthe source of partial vacuum through the pipe I I6 and valve groove II9. Under such conditions air will be exhausted from the motor casing |08 and atmospheric pressure beneath the diaphragm III will move the diaphragm III and rod I I2 upwardly to turn the plate I1 in a clockwise direction through an angle of 90 degrees. 'I'he cam I9 will then assume the position shown in Figure 'l and it will be apparent that manual turning movement of the arm 24 can take place to a limited extent independently of and without transmitting movement to the cam I9. However, the cam device will be xed against relative movement with respect to the shaft I in a direction transverse to the slot 2 I.

All of the parts will now be positioned for power steering. Turning movement of the steering wheel I2 will turn the steering arm 24 in the same manner as before and this arm will immediately transmit movement to the valve 58 (Figure 2) through the plate 92, levers 91 and |02 (Figures 3 and 4) and, valve rod 80, and accordingly the motor will be energized to transmit movement through the tubular piston rod 5T and yoke 86 to the shaft I5 and thence to the cam device I6 and shaft I5 to turn the upper end of the lever 30 to steer the front vehicle wheels in accordance with the direction of movement of the steering wheel I2. This operation will provide full power steering since the response of the motor is such that the shaft I5 (Figure 7) and the cam device I6 will be moved in the same direction as the arm 24 and accordingly the play between the opening 26 and cam I9 will not be taken up and no manual force therefore will be transmitted between the arm 24 and cam I9.

The valve operating plate 92 (Figures 2, 4 and 6) can be directly connected to the valve operating rod 80 and a wholly satisfactory operation will result. However, the mechanism for transmitting movement from the plate 92 to the rod 80 disclosed in Figures 2, 3 and 4 is highly advantageous for the reason that it provides for a substantially instantaneous response of the motor to turning movement of the steering wheel regardless of the amount of play which may exist between the plate 92 and the valve 58. Upon turning movement of the arm 24, the plate 92 will transmit movement to the pin 96 to turn the lever 9`| and it will be obvious that the lever arm between the notch ,|00 (Figure 4) and the axis of the sleeve 98 is muchlonger than the lever arm between the pin 96 and the axis of the sleeve 98. Therefore the notch I 00 (which engages the pin IUI) will move this pin to a greater extent than movement is imparted to the plate 92 and pin 96.

Movement of the pin |0| turns the lever |02 about the axis of the sleeve |03, whereupon the pin |03' operates the arm |05 to actuate the arm 80. The lever arm between the pin |03 and the axis of the sleeve I 03 is much longer than the lever arm between such axis and the pin IOI. The lever arrangement therefore multiplies movement of the pin IOI in transmitting movement to the valve operating rod 80. The lever arrangement referred to provides a very fast operation' of the valve 58 with respect to the speed of movement of the plate 92, and in actual practice a ratio of at least 12 to 1 in the movement of the valve with respect to movement of the plate 92 has been found advisable.

The lever arrangement referred to. so greatly multiplies movement of the valve 58 as to render it unnecessary to accurately fit the valve operating parts in order to provide a fast operation of the motor and an immediate response of the motor to turning movement of the steering wheel. Instead of merely cracking the ports of the valve 58 upon turning movement of the steering wheel, such turning movement has the` effect of immediately taking up all play in the valve operating parts and moving the valve promptly to a relatively widely open position whereby rapid admission of air to either end of the motor 33 and exhaustion of air from the other end thereof takes place, accompanied therefore by an immediate rapid response of the motor to turning movement of the steering wheel.

It will be obvious that the movement of the valveoperating rod will be in the same direction as movement of the plate- 92 when the steering arm 24 is turned. Assuming that the plate 92 is moved to the right as viewed in Figure 2', the vacuum space 65 will be substantially widely opened to communication with the passage 66` thus exhausting air from the casing 35 and evacuating the chamber 5| to the same extent so far as pressure is concerned. At the same time, the valve groove 60 will be moved into communication with the passage 68 to connect the casing 34 and chamber 52 to the atmosphere. Under such conditions, atmospheric pressure will exist in the casing 34 and in the space between the diaphragms 4I and 42 (this space being in xed communication with the atmosphere through ports 46), while reduced pressure will exist in the casing 35.

Equalized pressures therefore will exist on opposite sides of the diaphragm 4| and this element will remain inoperative and will project into the casing 34, while differential pressures will be established on opposite sides of the diaphragm 42, thus movingv this diaphragm and conse- 'quently the pressure responsive unit as a whole toward the right as viewed in Figure 2. Movement of the valve 58 will be arrested when the operator ceases to turn the steering wheel. As previously stated, the lever mechanism shown in Figure 4 greatly increases the distance of movement of the valve 58 relative to movement of the plate 92 and it would be assumed at first glance that the pressure responsive unit 40 would have to move the same distance to follow up with respect to the valve and then stop when movement of the valve is arrested. This, of course, would provide an inoperative construction since obviously movement of the pressure responsive unit is accompanied by movement of the yoke 86 which is transmitted in turn to the shaft I5.

Referring to Figure 2 it will be obvious that initial turning movement of the steering wheel takes place with the shaft |04 and sleeve |03 stationary, and the lever mechanism referred to l results in effecting rapid and substantial movetransmits movement through the tubular. piston rod 51 to the yoke 86 and this movement obviously moves the turning axis of the shaft |04, thus tending to reverse the operation of the valve operating lever mechanism. Therefore, assuming that the plate 92 is moved one-half inch, a 12 to 1 ratio of the lever mechanism would theoret-ically move the valve 58 six inches, which, of course, would be impossible. What actually occurs is thatrapid energization of the motor causes immediate response of the pressure movable member 40, and movement of this member, transmitted to the shaft |04, tends immediately to reverse operation of the lever mechanism Whichcontrols thegvalve.

Therefore, from an analysis of the operation bearing the foregoing in mind, it will be apparent that only the initial movement of the valve operating rod 80 takes place rapidly with respect to movement of the plate 92, thus providing immediate substantial energization of the motor 33. Thereafter the lever mechanismreferred to moves substantially as a unit with the plate 92 and valve operating rod 80. When movement of the plate 92 is arrested, very slight additional movement of the pressure responsive unit 40 is necessary to restore the neutral position of the valve 58. Ac-

` Vtually, therefore, the pressure responsive unit 40 will move exactly the same distance as the plate 92 but the nature of the lever mechanism is such as to provide far more rapid response of the motor than can be obtained with the use of conventional follow-up mechanisms.

It will be noted that the motor is preferably of the vacuum suspension type, the inner ends of the passages 66 and 68 being so arranged with respect to the left hand end of the valve 58 and with respect to the groove 82 that there is slight communication between these passages and the source of vacuum when the valve is in neutral position. This arrangement not only assists in rapid response of the motor to operation of the valve but also assists in arresting movement of the -pressure responsive unit when it reaches a position corresponding to the position of the valve without any overrunning of the pressure responsive unit.

Operation of the motor for turning the front wheels of the vehicle in the opposite direction will be similar to that described. 'I'he valve 58 will be moved to the left as viewed in. Figure 2 to connect the passage 66 to the atmospheric groove 60, while the vacuum groove 62 will be opened to communication with the passage 68 to exhaust air from the casing 34. Atmospheric pressure willthen exist `in the casing 35 and in the space between the two diaphragms; while reduced pressure will be established in the casing 34. Differential pressures on opposite sides of the diaphragm 4|, therefore, will move the pressure responsive unit of the motor to the left, which, of course, is the same direction in which the valve 58 has been moved. When movement of the valve 58 is arrested, slight additional movement of the pressure responsive unit will restore the normal position of the ports 66 and 68 with respect to the valve, thereupon arresting further operation of the motor. The vacuum suspension feature is such that as the pressure responsive unit approaches neutral position with respect to the valve 58, the end of the motor which has been connected to the atmosphere will have limited communication with the source of partial vacuum just prior to the reaching of neutral position,

thus exhausting air from the end of the motor sponds more rapidly upon the dumping of air l into one end of a vacuum suspended motor than is true when air is exhausted from one end of an air suspended motor. The instantaneous and substantial energization of the motor upon turning movement of the steering wheel is important for two reasons. In the rst place, it is fre` quently necessary for an operator to make an emergency turn of the vehicle and it is vital that the dirigible wheelsrturn immediately upon movement of the steering wheel. The present construction provides such result. In the second place, the present construction is highly advantageous in use regardless of vehicle speeds since it tends strongly to prevent any movement of the front Wheels except under the control of the steering wheel. In practice it has been found that there is no tendency in the present mechanism for the front wheels to be turned by ridges in a road or by holes in the roadway. Assuming that the steering wheel is held in a given position and the front Wheels encounter a ridge or hole which tends to turn them, slight movement will be imparted to the valve operating mechanism through the lever 30,and a high transmission ratio between the-plate 92 and the valve mechanism will result in energization of the motor to immediately buck the tendency of the front wheels of the'vehicle to turn.

The provision of the cam device l5 and asso` ciated elements provides means whereby the change over between power and manual steering may be very quickly and easily provided. It is Well known that rotational movements can be accomplished With much less effort than sliding movements due to the reduced friction encountered. The present device is therefore advantageous over the structure shown in the cepending' application of George Tucker Smith for this reason and for the additional reason that it eliminates any possibilty of the jamming of inclined surfaces, one against the other. The change over is accomplished merely by rotating the plate |1 at an angle of degrees and this may be accomplished either manually or by the use of the auxiliary motor |01 (Figure 6) and this motor may be positively controlled in accordance with the system shown in Figure 9.

The controlling of the motor |01 is preferably accomplished in accordance with vehicle speeds. When the vehicle is stationary or traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed such as six to eight miles an hour, the switch arm |30 then engages the contact |29, thus completing a circuit from the battery |26 through wire |24 (the switch |25 being normally closed) through solenoid winding |22, wire |28, contact |29 and switch |30 and thence back to the source through grounds |33 and |21. Undersuch conditions the solenoid |22 Will be energized and the vacuum line will be open to the source and the diaphragm will be in its upper position. Therefore, the plate l1 will be turned in a clockwise direction 90 degrees from the position shown in Figure 6 and the cam I9 will be in the position shown in Figure 7 to provide power steering in the manner described. Above the predetermined speed referred to the circuit will be brokenl by movement of the switch |30, and the valve ||8 will move'to its lower position connecting the casing '|08 of the auxiliary motor to the atmosphere thus 'providing manual steering in the manner described.

Simple means .may be provided so that power steering will take placeunder all conditions or so that manual steering will take place under all conditions. r.The circuit through the solenoid winding |32 may be shunted around the governory switch by closing the switch |42, in which case the solenoid winding |22 will remain energized at all times, thus vproviding power steering regardless of any operating conditions. On the other hand, power steering may be completelylocked out by opening the switch |25. under which conditions the solenoid winding can never be energized and the valve 8 will remain in its lower position.

, Thus it will be apparent that manual steering may be provided under all conditions if desired.

As previously stated, the auxiliary motor |01 is biased for manual operation. Accordingly it will A be apparent that if the parts of the mechanism are positioned for power steering and a break in the vacuum lines should occur, the spring ||5 will immediately and automatically move the plate to the manual steering position. The vacuum line ||6 is preferably in communication with the source of. vacuum by being tapped into the vacuum line 85 (Figure 2) adjacent the motor 33. Under such conditions, any failure in vacuum in the motor 33 necessarily will be accompanied by a failure of vacuum in the auxiliary motor |01, thus providing for the automatic change over to manual steering.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same'and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim-t l. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device, and means mounted to be selectively rocked between two positions, said means being operative in one of such positions solely for transmitting manual movements of the steering wheel to said steering connection and'operative in the other of such positions solely for connecting said power device thereto.

2. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicley a power device, and a cam device rotatable between two positions. said cam device being constructed and arranged to provide in one of its positions lost motion between said power device and said steering connection and a positive connection bei tween the steering wheel and said steering connection, and to provide in the other of its kpositions lost motion between the steering wheel and said steering' connection and a positive connection between said power device and said steering connection.

3. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device, means mounted to be selectively rocked between'two positions, said means being operative in one of such positions solely for transmitting manual movements of the steering wheel to said having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device, a cam device rotatable between two positions, said cam device being constructed and arranged to provide in one of its positions lost motion between said power device and said steering connection and a positive connection between the steering wheel and said steering connection, and to provide in the other of its positions lost motion between the steering wheel and'said steering connection and a positive connection between said power device and said steering connection, and a control mechanism for said power device operable upon turning movement of the steering wheel in either position of said cam device.

5. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels ofthe vehicle, a differential uid pressure motor, and means constructed and arranged to be selectively rotated between two positions, said means being operable in one of such positions solely for establishing motion transmitting connection between the steering wheel and said steering connection and operative in the other of such positions solely for establishing motion transmitting connection between said motor and said steering connection.

6. In a steering mechanism for a'motor vehicle having. a steering wheel` and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle. a differential'fluid pressure motor, means constructed and arranged to be selectively rotated between two positions, said means being operable in one of such positions solely for establishing motion transmitting connection between the steering wheel and said steering connection and operative in the other of such positions solely for establishing motion transmitting connection between said motor and said steering connection, and a control valve mechanism for said motor having mechanical connections operable by the steering wheel upon any turning movement thereof.

7. In aV steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential fluid pressure motor, and motion transmitting mechanism comprising a rotatable vcam device selectively movable to two positions, said cam device being operable in one position solely for transmitting manual movements'of the steering wheel to said steering connection and operable in its other position solely for transmitting power from said motor to said steering connection.

8. In a steering mechanism -for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential fluid pressure motor, motion transmitting mechanism comprising a rotatable cam device selectively movable to two positions, said cam device being operable in one position solely for transmitting manual movements of the steering wheel to said steering connection and operable in its other position solely for transmitting power from said motor to said steering connection, and

a control valve mechanism for said motor oper- 9. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential iiuid pressure motor, motion transmitting mechanism comprising a device rotatable between two selective positions, said device being operable in one of said positions solely for transmitting movements of the steering wheel to said steering connection and operable in the other of said positions solely for transmitting motion from said motor to said steering connection, and a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor having mechanical connection with the steering wheel to be operated thereby in any movement thereof.

10. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering Wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential uid pressure motor, motion transmitting means comprising a cam device rotatable between two positions, said cam device being constructed and arranged to provide motion transmiting connection solely between the steering wheel and said steering connection when in one position and to provide a positive motion transmitting connection solely between said motor and said steering connection in its other position, and a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor operable by the steering wheel'in either position of said cam device.

11. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential iluid pressure motor, motion transmitting mechanism comprising a device rotatable.

between two selective positions, said device being operable in said positions solely for mechanically connecting the steering wheel to said steering connection and operable in the other of said positions solely for transmitting motion from said motor to said steering connection, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor, and manually operable means for actuating said valve mechanism upon any turning movement of the steering wheel, said manually operable means beingconstructed and arranged to provide movement of said valve mechanism at a relatively greater speed than the speed of turning movement of the steering Wheel.

' 12. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a differential fluid pressure motor, motion transmitting means comprising a cam device rotatable between two positions, said cam device being constructed and arranged to provide motion transmitting connection solely between the steering wheel and said steering connection when in one position and to provide a positive motion transmitting connection solely between said motor and said steering connection in its other position, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor, and manually operable means for actuating said valve mechanism upon any turning movement of the steering wheel, said manually operable means being constructed and arranged to provide movement of said valve mechanism at a relatively greater speed than the speed of -turning movement of the steering wheel.

13. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection'to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device having mechanical connection with said steering connection, and control mechanismV for said power device operatively connected to the steering wheel to be actuated thereby, said control mechanism being constructed and arranged to provide relatively great initial energization-of said power device -upon initial relatively slight turning movement of the steeringwheel.

14. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a. steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device having mechanical connection with said steering connection, and a follow-up control mechanism for said power device operable by the steering wheel and by the power device to cause the latter to partake of a follow-up action with' respect to turning movement of the steering wheel, said control mechanism being constructed and arranged to eiect a relatively great initial energization of said power device upon initial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheel.

l5. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having'a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a

power device having mechanical connection with said steering connection, and control mechanism for said power device operatively connected to the steering Wheel to be actuated thereby, said control mechanism being constructed and arranged to provide relatively great initial energization of said power device upon initial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheell said power device having an operative connection with said control mechanism to reduce the effectiveness of the latter for energizing said power device after the latter has been initially energized.

16. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a power device having mechanical connection with said steering connection, and a follow-up control mechanism for said power device operable by the steering wheel and by the power device to cause the latter to partake of a follow-up action with respect to turning movement of the steering wheel, said control mechanism being constructed and arranged to effect a relatively great initial energi-zation of said power device upon initial relatively-slight turning movement of the steering wheel, said power device having an operative connection with said control mechanismv to reduce the effectiveness of the latter for energizing said power device after the latter has been initially energized.

1'7. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible Wheels of the' vehicle, a differential uld pressure motor having mechanical connection with said steering connection, a control valve mechanism for said motor, Aand operating connections between the steering Wheel and said valve mechanism constructed and arranged to vestablish relatively great initial difierential pressures in said motor upon initial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheel.

18. Ina steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering conv valve mechanism and the steering wheel, said d .operating connections being constructed and ranged to immediately establish relatively great initial differential pressures in said motor upon an initial relatively slight turning movement oi the steering wheel.

19. In a steering mechanism for a motorve- Y ranged to establish relatively great initial diierential pressures in said motor upon initial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheel, said motor having mechanical connection with said operating connections for reducing .the effectiveness of said valve mechanism for maintaining relatively great diiierential pressures in said motor after initial energization thereof. Y

20. In a steering mechanism for -a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering con-l nection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle, a dierental ^iluid pressure motor having mechanical connection with said steering connection, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor having a pair of elements one operable in accordance with operation ofthe motor, and operating connections between the other element of the valve mechanism and the steering wheel, said operating connections' being constructed and arranged to immediately establish relatively great 'mechanically connect said rotatable member to said arm or to said motion transmitting connection, and a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor operable upon turning movement of the steering wheel.

24. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel. a steering connection to thedirlgible wheels of the vehicle comprising allever, an arm mechanically connected to the steering wheel, a rotatable member connected to said lever and operable to .transmit movement thereto, a differential iiuid pressure ,motoig a motion transmittingiconnection operable thereby, said rotatable member being constructed Aand arranged to-be turned to either of two positions to mechanically connect said rotatable member to said arm or to said motion transmitting connection, and a. follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor comprising a pair oi elementsone operable by the motor, and

motion transmitting means for operating the other valve element upon turning movement of the steering wheel, said motion transmitting means being constructed and arranged to so operate said other valve element as to establish initial relatively high diiferential pressures in said l motor upon initial relatively slight turning moveinitial differential pressures in said motor upon an initial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheel, said motor having mechanical connection with said operating connections for reducing the eiectiveness of said valve mechanism for maintaining relatively great diierential pressures in said motor after initial energization thereof.

21. In a steeringmechanism for a motor vehicle having a. steering wheel, a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle comprising a. lever, an arm mechanically connected to the steering wheel, a rotatable member connected to said lever and operable to transmit movement thereto, a power-device.. a motion transmitting connection operable thereby, said rotatable member being constructed and arranged to be turned to either of two positions to mechanically connect said rotatable member to said arm or to said motion transmitting connection, andmeans operable upon turning movement of the steering wheel for energizing said powerV device.

22. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel, a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle comprising a, lever, an arm mechanically connected to the steering wheel, a rotatable member connected to said lever and operable to transmit movement thereto, a power device, a motion transmitting connection operable thereby, said rotatable member being constructed and arranged to be turned to either of two positions to mechanically connect said rotatable member t9 said arm or to said motion transmitting connection, and a follow-up control mechanism forv said power device operable upon turning movement of the steering wheel.

23. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel, a steering connection to the dirigible wheels of the vehicle comprising a lever, an arm mechanically connected to the steering wheel, a rotatable member connected ment of the steering wheel.

25. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel, a steering connection to the dirig-ble wheels of the vehicle comprising .a lever, an arm mechanically connected to the steering wheel, a rotatable member connected to said lever and operable to transmit movement thereto, a dierential iluid pressure motor, a motion transmitting connection operable thereby, said rotatable member being constructed and arranged to be turned to either of two positions to mechanically connect said rotatable member to said arm gr to said motion transmitting connection', and a follow-up control valve said motor comprising a pair of elements one operable by the motor, and. motion transmitting means for operating the other valve element upon turning movement of the steering wheel, said motion transmitting means being constructed and arranged to so operate said other valve element as to establish initial relatively high diiferential pressures in said motor upon linitial relatively slight turning movement of the steering wheel, said motor having mechanical connection with said motion transmitting means for reducing the effectiveness of the latter for maintaining relatively high diilerential pressures in said motor after initial energization thereof.

26. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel normally arranged in a ystraight-away steering position,l and a steering connection to the diriglble wheels of the vehicle, a power device connected to the steering connection, a control mechanism for said power device having a control element normally occupying a position in which said power device is deenerglzed and relatively movable from such position to effect energization of the power device, said control mechanism being so constructed and arranged that the greater the relative movement of said control element from-its normal position thegreater will be the degree of energization of said power device, and motion trans- 'mitting means ior moving said control element upon turning movement otthe steering wheel wholly independently of said steering connectioml said'motion transmitting means being constructed 'and arranged to effect movement of said control element away from its normal position to an extent proportionately greater than an initialturning movementof the steering wheel.

27. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 26 wherein said power device is provided v with an element operatively related to said motion transmitting means to cause the latter to at least partially return said control element to its normal position after said power device has such position to connect said m'otor to a source of pressure dierential, said control mechanism being so constructed and arranged that the greater the relative movement oi said valve from its normal position the greater will`be the diilerential pressure established vin said motor, and motion transmitting means for moving said valve upon turning movement or the steering wheel wholly independently of said steering connection, said motion transmitting means being constructed and arranged to eiect movement of said valve away from its normal position to an extent proportionately greater than an initial turning movement of the steering wheel.

29. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 23 wherein said motor is provided with an element operatively related to said motion transmitting means to cause the latter to at least partially return said valve to its normal position after said motor has been initially energized.

30. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible wheels oi the vehicle, a motor having mechanical connection with said steering connection, follow-up control means for said motor having a pair of relatively movable elements, motion transmitting means for eilecting relative movement of said elements, such means being arranged for establishing mechanical connection oi the respective movable elements with the steering wheel and with the steering connection and so constructed and arranged that a given relative movement of the steering wheel and the steering connection will effect a greater relative movement of said pair of elements, and means constructed and arranged to be operative uponlva motor-energizing relative movement of said elements for opposing such relative movement.

31..Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 30 wherein said last named meanseompres a iluid pressure responsive device connectible to a source of pressure diilerential upon a motor-energizing relative movement of said elements for opposing such relative movement.

32. In a steering mechanism Iora motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible'wheels of the vehicle, a differential fluid pressure motor having mechanical connection with said steering connection, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor having a pair of relatively movable valve elements, motion transmitting means for eilecting relative movement of said valve elements, such means being arranged for establishing mechanical connection of the respective movable elements with the steering wheel and with the steering connection and so constructed and arranged that a given relative movement of the steering wheel and the steering connection will effect a greater relative movement of said pair of valve elements, and means constructed and arranged to be operative upon a motor-energizing relative movement of said valve elements for opposing such relative movement.

33. Apparatus-constructed in accordance with claim 32 wherein said last named means comprises a uid pressure responsive device subject to control by said valve elements.

34. In a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering connection to the dirigible Wheels of the vehicle, a differential fluid pressure motor having a pressure responsive member mechanically connected with said steering connection, a follow-up control valve mechanism for said motor having a pair of relatively movable valve elements, motion transmitting means for eilecting relative movement of said valve elements and comprising a lever mechanism having mechanical connection with the steering wheel, with said pressure responsive member, and with one of said valve elements wholly independently-of the steering connection and so constructed and arranged that a given relative movement between the steering wheel and said pressure responsive member will eiect a greater movement of such valve element,

and means constructed and arranged to be operative upon any motor-energizing relative movement of said valve elements for opposing auch Y relative movement.

35. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 34 wherein said last named means comprises a uid pressure responsive device subject to control by said valve elements. Y

JEANNOT G. INGRES. 

